When it comes to Speyside whiskies, it can be hard to stand out amongst the crowd of distilleries in the region. Some manage to do so because of their unique distillation processes, some from their location, and others their water source. For Speyside distillery Glen Moray, it is a bit of everything, and then some.
Glen Moray is the featured whisky of our October Real Deals, and if you’re thinking of getting a bottle or two, here are five things you should know about the distillery, so you can share with your dram buddies!
1) Glen Moray has a long heritage of whisky-making on Speyside
Glen Moray has a heritage that dates back to 1897. It started life as a brewery called the Elgin West Brewery, but was converted into a distillery in 1897. The new make spirit it produced was filled into a wide variety of casks, which was an unusual practice for the time.
2) There have only been 5 Master Distillers in its history
Since the distillery was founded, only five men have had the honour of holding the title “Master Distiller”, including the current one, Graham Coull.
Since he took over the role in 2004, Coull has cemented a reputation for Glen Moray’s traditions while exploring innovative new techniques. Under his guidance, Glen Moray has won numerous awards for its whiskies in recent years.
3) Glen Moray’s whiskies are mainly aged in American Oak
Although the distillery has a history of ageing its whiskies in different casks, today, it mainly uses American Oak barrels that have held bourbon previously, which produces a very approachable style of Speyside malt with sweet honey-like notes.
They do use other woods too though – some of their Classic range whiskies are finished in other casks, including Sherry, port, and even Chardonnay and Cabernet wine casks.
4) Its location makes it ideal for making whisky
Glen Moray distillery is located in an area known as the Laich O’ Moray (Machair Mhoireibh in Scottish Gaelic), which is a rich and fertile agricultural plain along the Moray Coast that has been nicknamed ‘The Granary of Scotland’.
The location also means the distillery enjoys a milder climate that is perfect for whisky-making, as it is afforded protection from the Cairngorm and Monadhliath Mountains.
5) The Heritage range showcases Glen Moray’s unique terroir and characters
Our October Real Deal features Glen Moray’s Heritage Collection, which, in Master Distiller Graham Coull’s own words, “has been carefully matured to create a smooth, sweet character combined with subtle oak flavours. Our unique Speyside climate gently influences these whiskies to produce a well-rounded character and complex finish.”
Glen Moray 12 Year Old (40% ABV)
This 12 Year Old has spent time exclusively in American oak, which imparts a lovely toasted note. A rich sweet aroma with toffee, vanilla and berry fruits.
The toasted oak is on the palate with summer fruits and a mellow honey-like sweetness. The finish is subtle with a nice apricot finish. Great on ice.
Glen Moray 15 Year Old (40% ABV)
The 15 Year Old has been aged in both sherry and American oak, which gives it a gorgeous dried fruit, spice and chocolate note. The chocolate is evident on the nose with light touches of charred oak.
The chocolate once again comes through on the palate, but now with spice, oak and sherry. The finish is warm long with woody spice. Enjoy neat or paired with chocolate.
Glen Moray 18 Year Old (47.2% ABV)
Aged using the finest American whisky barrels, the 18 Year Old exhibits rounded vanilla, gorgeous oak influence while still retaining the distillery character. A big fruit aroma of plum and and apricot. A toffee-like sweetness with delicate smoke in the back.
The palate is complex with heather honey, oak and spice. A mellow finish with some spice and ginger lingering on. One to be drunk neat!